New Mexico 2024 Primary Voter Guide

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e d i u G r e t Vo 2024 Primary Voter Guide 1

Introduction

New Mexico farmers and ranchers provide the food, fuel and fiber for our communities. In addition to providing for our basic needs, agriculture and food in New Mexico has an economic impact of $43.1 billion and supports more than 261,000 jobs. New Mexico ranks in the top 10 in the nation for chile, onion, pecan, and milk production.

Agriculture touches the life of every New Mexican. The decisions that impact agriculture, whether positively or negatively, ultimately impact all of us. With less than two percent of the U.S. population involved in production agriculture, it has never been more important to understand how candidates for public office in New Mexico plan to act on the topics that impact agricultural producers the most.

About This Guide All candidates for state representative or state senator listed with the New Mexico Secretary of State were emailed a survey to fill out for this guide. In addition to basic background and demographic questions, respondents were asked three questions: • New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

• Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

• According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies. What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

This guide contains responses from candidates who are facing a primary race only. You can find a complete list of candidates in each district, visit https://tinyurl.com/4t52jmf2.

Important Dates Early Voting Begins

May 7, 2024

Statewide Primary Election

June 4, 2024

Statewide General Election

November 5, 2024

s e v i t a t n e s e r

p e R f o House s e t a d Candi

District 1 - San Juan Name: *Rod Montoya (R) Occupation: Real Estate Broker City of Residence: Farmington Highest Level of Education: High School Campaign Website: RodMontoyaforNM.com Relevant Experience: No response provided Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I serve on the Energy, Minerals and Environment Committee, and I will continue to support the rights of cattle ranchers, dairies, farmers and other land owners who need to be protected from the ridiculous claims of radical environmentalists.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: We need to look into the feasibility of the desalinization of brackish water in our state’s aquifers. We also need to fully fund and vigorously fight claims from other states on water flowing in New Mexico rivers as well as in aquifers that cross state lines.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: We need to close the loophole that allows state agencies to purchase private farms. I am also very concerned that residents (and government agencies) of other countries are buying farms across America, we need to pass a law that limits these purchases in New Mexico.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas

Name: Keith Mitchell Neil (R) City of Residence: Farmington Email: keithmneil@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 486-6307

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2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 4 - San Juan Name: Cheryl L. George (D) City of Residence: Shiprock Email: cherylgeorge22@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 675-5761

Name: Christina J. Aspaas (D) City of Residence: Fruitland Email: crissyjayne67@hotmail.com Phone Number: (505) 977-9015

Name: Joseph Franklin Hernandez (D) City of Residence: Shiprock Email: josephforhousedistrict4@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 360-3292

District 6 - Cibola & McKinley Name: Priscilla Benally (D) City of Residence: Thoreau Email: priscillabenally50@yahoo.com Phone Number: (505) 862-2930

Name: Daniel J. Torrez (D) City of Residence: San Rafael Email: torrezm1972@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 240-7811

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District 6 - Cibola & McKinley cont.

Name: *Eliseo Lee Alcon (D) Occupation: New Mexico State Representative, District 6; retired City of Residence: Milan Highest Level of Education: Some college Campaign Website: www.alconfornmhd6.com Relevant Experience: • Incumbent New Mexico State Representative, District 6 (over 10 years) • Regular Session: Chairman of Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs; Member of Judiciary Committee • Interim: Vice Chair of Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee; Member of Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee; Member of Indian Affairs Committee; Member of Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee; Member of Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force; Member of Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee; Advisory of Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee; Advisory of Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee; Advisory of Land Grant Committee; Designee Legislative Finance Committee; Special Advisory of Legislative Council • Magistrate Judge (retired) Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I feel we need to collaborate with communities and provide them with tools and resources to generate locally-focused small businesses. This helps communities to buy-in to working to help their communities thrive and the businesses succeed. This preserves the tenacity and uniqueness of our rural communities.

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2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: I believe we need to take existing water restrictions and allocations seriously. Having rules on the books is one thing; but failing to enforce the laws results in unscrupulous entities taking advantage and wasting water that should be going to farms across the state.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: We need to provide schools throughout the state with programs to encourage a new generation of farmers/agricultural workers to join the field. The entire state relies on the results of hard work from our community farmers, and the state owes it to those workers to subsidize quality wages to promote job retention and make it easier for people to choose the agriculture field as their career. The state also needs to continue incentives for buying local goods. Any opportunity to keep money in the state and support our farms is a success.

Q: Red or green?

A: Red.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 9 - McKinley Name: *Patricia A. Lundstrom (D) Occupation: Executive Director Greater Gallup Economic Development Corp.

City of Residence: Gallup Highest Level of Education: Masters Degree in Public Administration Campaign Website: Legislative website will provide all details on the bills I carry and the votes I take such as voting against the Clean fuels act Relevant Experience: McKinley County is a rural county the county seat is Gallup. I have a number of County constituents that still raise sheep and cattle.

Horses are also raised here. I have carried legislation for the brand inspectors, regulation of horse recue facilities, capital outlay funds for the bi-county fair and 4 H. Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I have always supported rural communities. I grew up in Milan NM where my mother still lives. I live in a town of 21,000 now and what I see is a disproportionate amount of resources going to the metro areas, with examples such as telecommunications, health facilities, and education facilities. Hurting rural schools with mandating 5 day school weeks, hurting rural people with mandating electric vehicles and increasing the price of fuels. In general I will always support and my voting record will show rural NM.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: I support the idea and technology to take brackish and purify to drinking and agricultural standards.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: I believe more state funds should be provide for technology enhancements for agriculture, great ideas are discussed by NMSU and nothing ever happens. I also believe cloud seeding is a good idea, better marketing for grown in NM needs to be done, and produce grown here should be a used in public schools.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

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District 9 - McKinley cont.

Name: Arval Todd McCabe (D) City of Residence: Window Rock, AZ Email: Arvaltmccabe@yahoo.com Phone Number: (505) 930-0911

Name: Christopher Brian Hudson (D) City of Residence: Mentmore Email: hudson4nmrep2024@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 870-9239

District 12 - Bernalillo Name: *Art De La Cruz (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: artdelacruz1@comcast.net Phone Number: (505) 203-1005

Name: Steve E. Tafoya (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: steve4nm@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 280-1792

District 13 - Bernalillo Name: *Patricia Roybal Caballero (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: patriciafornm@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 710-5996

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Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 13 - Bernalillo cont.

Name: Teresa Garcia (D) Occupation: Digital Marketing Communication Specialist City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: Bachelors of Science Campaign Website: https://www.teresagarcia4newmexico.com/home-1-1-1-1 Relevant Experience: I am a first-generation Mexican Indigenous woman, fluent in Spanish, and deeply connected to my culture and heritage. I am a daughter of an immigrant and a Vietnam Air Force Veteran.

My journey is one of resilience and commitment to positive change.

As a survivor of domestic violence, I made the courageous decision to leave her successful 10-year pharmaceutical career to champion community welfare and raise awareness about domestic violence issues. I am involved in various local and statewide organizations, including the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), Assault Evidence Response Team (ASERT), S.A.F.E House, and SANE in Albuquerque, reflects my dedication to supporting survivors.

Currently appointed by the Mayor, I chair the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission for the City of Albuquerque, where I strive to establish a coordinated community response to address systemic gaps and provide crucial support for survivors. My active engagement extends to committees such as UNIDOS, the Southwest DV Steering Committee, the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee, the South West Community Policing Council, the MMIW Committee, and the Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Event Committee in memory of Adan Carriaga.

I bring valuable experience a mother, daughter of an immigrant and veteran, advocate and concerned constituent and a current Marketing and Communications specialist in Coalition work, effectively supporting member programs and raising awareness on a statewide and national scale

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: If elected as State Representative for District 13, I plan to first and foremost meet with my constituents and hear directly from them to better serve our community.

Advocating for fair wages: With the communities input and permission to establish minimum wage standards that reflect the cost of living in rural areas, ensuring that farmworkers and other rural workers receive fair compensation for their labor.

Investing in rural infrastructure: With the communities input and permission to push for investments in rural infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and broadband internet, to improve access to markets, healthcare, and education for rural residents.

Supporting small-scale agriculture: With the communities input and permission to advocate for policies that support small-scale and family-owned farms, including access to affordable land, resources, and technical assistance to help them thrive in today’s competitive market.

Promoting sustainable agriculture: With the communities input and permission to promote sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, conservation agriculture, and water conservation, to protect our environment and ensure the long-term viability of rural communities.

Expanding access to healthcare and education: With the communities input and permission to expand access to healthcare services and quality education in rural areas, including supporting rural healthcare facilities and schools, to improve the overall well-being and prosperity of rural residents.

I am committed to building a brighter future for all residents of District 13 and rural New Mexico.

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District 13 - Bernalillo cont.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: As the daughter of an immigrant and granddaughter of a farm worker, I understand the critical importance of addressing persistent drought and ensuring full accessibility to water allocations for all sectors across our state. To tackle this challenge, we must explore comprehensive water management strategies, including investing in water conservation technologies, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and implementing equitable water distribution policies. Additionally, prioritizing investments in water infrastructure projects and supporting research into innovative water-saving techniques will be essential for securing our water future and sustaining our communities’ livelihoods.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: To support and expand our agricultural sector, New Mexico should focus on implementing policies and programs that provide access to affordable land, water, and resources for family farmers. Additionally, investing in agricultural education and training programs, promoting sustainable farming practices, and expanding access to markets for locally produced goods can further bolster our agricultural economy.

Furthermore, prioritizing initiatives to address climate change impacts on agriculture and advocating for fair trade policies that benefit small-scale farmers are crucial steps towards ensuring the viability and resilience of our agricultural sector for generations to come. We need policies and programs that prioritize fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers, access to affordable healthcare, and incentives for sustainable farming practices.

Q: Red or green?

A: Red.

District 16 - Bernalillo Name: Yanira Gurrola (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: yanirahd16@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 850-6758

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Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

Name: Marsella Duarte (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: marsella@marsellafornm.com Phone Number: (505) 417-5349

* Incumbent

District 18 - Bernalillo Name: Juan Larranaga (D) Occupation: Tech City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: MBA Campaign Website: Larranag.com Relevant Experience: I am from Old Town. After college, I moved to the University neighborhood. I’ve lived in the district since 1999. I seek to listen and be a voice for neighbors.

I am fond of my family and we promote our local schools and parent’s rights.

I promote early education and early literacy with Libros and Read to Me Coalition.

At UNM our coalition passed the Tobacco-Free Campus.

I am in favor of term limits and government transparency and accountability through integrity.

Our neighborhoods must be safe.

I’ll add more: • Summit Park Neighborhood Association Treasurer • Victory Hills Neighborhood Association Secretary • AHS Alumni Treasurer • AHS Band Booster Secretary • APS Gifted Advisory Board • PTA/O President, Treasurer • Hispano Round Table and Secretary • AGIF American GI Forum Youth President and Treasurer KAFB Phillips Lab summer intern I worked for UNM Grad Studies and CNM https://hsc.unm.edu/medicine/departments/pediatrics/divisions/continuum-of-care/ccstaff/juan.html Sí Podemos!

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I will meet with stakeholders and listen to their concerns. My family is from Rural Encino, NM. Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Agua es vida. We need water to live. Last year was the hottest on record. We must work with tribal communities and all communities of color to get information out, to save water, to respect resources and to invest in water.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Work with foundations and communities and stakeholders to expand education and create pathways to careers and to invest in new technologies.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

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District 18 - Bernalillo cont.

Name: Gloria Sue Doherty (D) Occupation: Nurse/Nurse Practitioner City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: PhD Campaign Website: GloriaforHD18.com Relevant Experience: Family business in greenhouses (Agra Greenhouses). Conservation, upgraded drip system, rainwater capture attempts. Supplies seedlings to local farms.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I work in a rural hospital and have represented nurses from all over the state. This included seeking funding to expand faculty salaries and seats to state schools in our rural areas. We have been innovative in a multiprong approach to address healthcare workforce shortages which are worse in rural areas. This includes state funded stipends for clinical travel, mentorships, and housing. If we train nurses in their communities, they are more likely to stay.

Living in Albuquerque, beautiful lands are just a short drive away.

The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District maintains drainage and irrigation, and river flood control to attempt responsible water management and works in collaboration with other agencies to protect the environment and wildlife.

I support the planting of native trees and plant species, controlled irrigation in urban/suburban settings as to time, day, and frequency to help save our precious water resources. Incentives for damages landowners may endure in support of maintaining wildlife. Additionally, efforts to improve labor resources for these ranches and farms are imperative.

I believe we need more renewable energy and updating of water systems. Oil and gas are currently the bread and butter of our 12

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states budget. These are stationed in the rural areas of our state. We must incentivize these excavators to update equipment and infrastructure so that negative impact to health is eliminated. Renewable energy must be incentivized for our agricultural community realizing decreased reliance on oil and gas for the state will have an impact. In my family’s greenhouse, vegetables and chile seedlings are grown for smaller farms in South Valley, Los Lunas and Belen.

What impacts rural New Mexico also affects urban New Mexico. If there is a drought season with a fire, the whole state suffers. Collaboration and transparent communication are key to ensure we can find the best policies to support agriculture and provide conservation efforts so our future generations can also be connected to the land.

We must continue to support policies that assist with telehealth and other broadband connected services.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Allocations must be implemented to maximize the welfare society obtains from the water resource. Agriculture is important to New Mexico with over 23,000 family farms and ranches. These create jobs, tax revenue and protect our beautiful lands with protections of private property. Drought, however, is a real threat. I am not an expert in this field and would rely on agricultural experts to educate me.

Investments in water infrastructure are imperative. Funding should occur to update current systems. Solar pumps can be considered if incentivized. MIT did a field study in Arizona using solar to capture moisture from the air and turn it to water. Incentives can be provided to have new construction be built with rainwater harvesting capabilities. Incentives to update irrigation systems to help decrease amount f water used. Continue to limit residences watering to certain times and days. As a state, we need to plant native trees, encourage xeriscaping, keep our forests healthy, and consider other means of water conservation that does not harm the outcomes from our ranches

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 18 - Bernalillo cont. and farms. Water helps ranchers keep their animals healthy and productive and help with habitat. We need their food and Chile!!

Additionally, agricultural produces help care for our lands. Funding/ incentives must continue and be provided to help with watershed restoration. Invasive species control, and rangeland management.

As a hunter, I appreciate the wildlife habitat improvements.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Our state government must create incentives to protect our agricultural lands. The tax revenue the farmers and ranchers bring to our state budget fund essential services.

With 2022 federal grants being issued for state investments in renewable energy, infrastructure improvements, land and water Name: Anjali Taneja (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: anjalifornm@gmail.com Phone Number: (310) 503-2544

protection, our state matching these grants could assist in creation of soil and water districts to support farmers and ranchers and allow them to create and incentivize conservation practices. We also need to provide private property protections for those with land and livestock. Our ranchers and farmers are stewards of the land; we cannot lose any more. With Universities expanding in our rural areas, perhaps children could be enticed to agricultural engineering as a degree and then stay and serve in their communities. Once again, I am not an expert and would need your guidance and expertise to educate me.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Marianna A. Anaya (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: info@mariannafornm.com Phone Number: (505) 907-5037

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District 27 - Bernalillo Name: *Marian Matthews (D) Occupation: State Representative District 27 City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: Juris Doctor - UNM Law School Campaign Website: Website: MarianMatthewsForHd27.com Facebook.com/Marian Matthews for HD27 Relevant Experience: • Legislator since January 6, 2020.

• Current Member of Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee and Commerce and Economic Development Committee. Formerly member of Health & Human Services Committee.

• Experience in executive branch of state government: criminal prosecutor for Attorney General’s Office and subsequently one of two deputy attorneys general for AG Tom Udall. Job involved some lobbying with the legislature, and I represented NM in oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court in water compact litigation between NM and the states of Oklahoma and Texas involving the Canadian River.

• Experience in judicial branch of government as an attorney representing clients in federal and state courts involving children with special needs seeking better special education services and involving CYFD involving abused and neglected children.

• Taught business law and entrepreneurship at Central New Mexico Community College for approximately 10 years.

• Trained as a master gardener. Former docent at Albuquerque Botanic Garden. Long-time member of Xeric Garden Club. I love to grow flowers and vegetables.

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Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Although I represent an urban district in Albuquerque, I have tried to be sure that some of my capital outlay and operational funds that I have control over (this was through the so-called GRO program this past session) benefit rural New Mexico. For example this past session, I allocated $160,000 over two years to the State Engineer’s Office for state water planning and another $160,000 over two years to the South Valley Economic Development Center (SVEDC) which focuses primarily on agriculture economic development and the development of a statewide program to support food hubs. I voted to prohibit the use of state education funds to pay transportation costs for five-day school weeks in rural areas (if opposed by the local school authorities). In 2023, I allocated $50,000 to New Mexico Tech in Socorro for a van to travel throughout southern New Mexico offering enhanced STEM education to public school students in rural New Mexico.

Other ways I have tried to be supportive include being a sponsor of the Meat Inspection Act which passed in the 2024 session and voting for it both in the agriculture committee and on the floor of the House.

I would also note that I have been a member of the Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources committee for several sessions now. I also voted for SB11 in 2022, the Reforestation Center Act sponsored

by Senator Pat Woods and Rep. Debbie Sarinana.

I grew up in Springfield, MO, a town of about 100,000 when I last lived there, but which served as a regional center for a large farming and dairy area. My first career was as a journalist and I spent a substantial amount of time writing about the farm communities in the Ozarks and getting to know the farmers. I grew to respect and admire these folks and to realize that cities can’t survive without people who grow our food. I consider it part of my obligation to my city constituents to be supportive of rural New Mexico.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 27 - Bernalillo cont.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: There are no easy answers to this question. Water allocations in New Mexico are impacted by historical water usage, by interstate compacts with other states, and by nature itself, including the warming climate. Our solutions will require creativity, technology, and probably some luck. We need to look at how we’ve been dealing with water -- legally, practically, intentionally and unintentionally – and decide what we could do better. For example, because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision relating to wetlands, we need to consider adopting a permitting system to protect these water sources from pollution and we need to figure out how to protect streams that are dry part of the year but become wetlands periodically. For example, technology is being developed that allows satellites to determine and deliver the correct amount of water plants need by communicating with sensors in the ground. I think it is highly likely that we will need to help farmers and ranchers with some of the cost of implementing these new technologies. We also need not to change the law to allow the state engineer position to be filled by a lawyer. This has been proposed at least twice since I’ve become a legislator.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: At a minimum, we need to reinvigorate our small towns and rural areas. By this I mean, we need to (1) be responsive to local parents and educators in setting rules that impact their childrens’ educations including, for example, four-day schedules; (2) re-establish and maintain health care services, which at a minimum means keeping rural hospitals open and adopting policies that attract and encourage health care professionals to practice in rural communities; (3) encourage home construction to increase home ownership and address quality of life issues; and (4) work with rural communities to identify other goods or services that would encourage residents to remain in rural communities, including the availability of needed resources for agriculture such as adequate water, agricultural supplies and services, and assistance in marketing and transportation.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Greg Seeley (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: greg@gregfornm.com Phone Number: (505) 948-4737

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District 30 - Bernalillo Name: Jared W. Secret (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: jaredsecret@yahoo.com Phone Number: (575) 317-1189

Name: Victoria Dore (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: vdore2023@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 610-1073

District 31 - Bernalillo Name: Nicole Chavez (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: nicolechaveznm@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 235-7836

Name: Patrick W. Huested (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: pwh.consumer@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 270-7517 Name: Sarah Jane Allen (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: sarahjaneallen8@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 459-9428

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Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 32 - Doña Ana, Hidalgo & Luna Name: Andrew Simon Hernandez, III (D) Occupation: Professor of History City of Residence: Deming Highest Level of Education: Ph.D. in History Campaign Website: https://www.andyhernandezfornm.com/ Relevant Experience: I’ve held previous political office as a two-term board member for Deming Public Schools; I’ve cultivated significant skills in gathering and absorbing information in the course of my academic research; Since age 19, I’ve also intermittently provided unskilled labor for my in-laws’ Polled Hereford ranches in Central Texas Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: For the limited remaining time that New Mexico continues to have larger than expected state budgets I will continue to advocate for increasing investments in state roads, access to broadband internet, and increased funding for other critical elements of our infrastructure. These investments won’t just benefit rural communities but will also provide an additional means of attracting the industries I referenced in Question 9. Health care remains a critical issue in rural areas, though. I would further propose that New Mexico reach an agreement with other primarily rural states to standardize the evaluation of programs to retain health care personnel and reporting of retention rates in rural areas. Access to healthcare remains a critical problem for rural communities, and even the entities that study measures and incentives to retain physicians and nurses are hampered by the fact that a standardized system for evaluating incentives and retention rates does not presently exist.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: New Mexico’s agricultural producers must continue to make the best use of drought-tolerant plants and continue to embrace efficient means of irrigation. That said, long-term drought requires the state to examine sectors of the economy that not only have water rights but also have negotiated agreements with municipalities for additional access to fresh and grey water sources. In the event that full accessibility to water allocations becomes doubtful, industrial and energy-producing entities in the state must be called upon to utilize the municipal sources of water that they have negotiated in lieu of receiving their full annual water allocations.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: This answer ties in part into my answer for Number 10 below. So many of us have seen our children leave the state in pursuit of other opportunities. It then becomes all the more special to see those children return, as two of mine have now done. Family farm owners in particular would benefit from having a higher percentage of their children return home and take up farming. Bolstering opportunities in manufacturing could provide young couples with the stability to have one person earn an income in industry while the other farms. Since there is a broader resurgence nationwide in manufacturing New Mexico must necessarily create incentives to attract middle industries (salsa production and beef processing come immediately to mind) in order to specifically leverage manufacturing sectors that complement agricultural production in our state.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

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District 32 - Doña Ana, Hidalgo & Luna cont.

Name: Linda S. Alvarez (D) Occupation: Community Advocate & Organic Farmer City of Residence: Village of Hatch Highest Level of Education: B.A. College of Santa Fe, Liberal Arts W/Emphasis in Public Administration. As a lifelong learner, I plan to pursue graduate studies at: NMSU, UofAZ or St. John’s College, SFe Campus.

Campaign Website: ALVAREZ FOR NEW MEXICO-DISTRICT 32 Relevant Experience: Born and reared on the family farm in the Salem Colonia (the Heart of the Hatch Valley); I was part of a large close-knit Hispanic Family of agrarians that was totally self-sufficient while living in a wholesome and healthy environment. I learned that farmers and ranchers had good and bad years and that they had to find ways to get through the lean years and celebrate during the good. It was hard work getting up at 5:00 am to give our animals fresh water and food and then preparing our breakfast and lunch, and cleaning up before catching the school bus to transport us to school. After school, extracurricular activities and homework, we would help fix supper, cleanup and catchup on how our day went. We then settled-in for a good night’s sleep and repeated. Never missed a homemade meal with the family until 9th-grade and was awarded a Red Ribbon on my Science Project (Climate Change) which took me to NM Tech for Regional Competition. Today, I love working on my small-scale farm, but the challenges are still many. I need to drill a well; I need to ensure the soil is clean and free from poisons; need to review markets to plant native, drought resistant plants. Owning and operating a small farm still requires a lot of thought and planning.

18

2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: • A. Lack of public transportation ( i.e., Veterans, Senior Citizens, etc..).

• B. Access to adequate and specialized health and dental care.

• C. Services designed for the elderly rural residents.

There are three Colonias in my District—both county and local governments seem to consider them Ineligible for their governance. I would encourage the Legislature to evaluate the current needs of All Colonias and develop equitable funding so all Colonia communities and residents can thrive.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: • A. NM needs to consolidate jurisdiction over water use into the Dept. Of Environment & increase relevant parts of their budget.

• B. Impart tax breaks for water conservation.

• C. Subsidize conservation strategies for the small and mid-scale farms.

• D. Encourage farmers to plant crops that require less water.

• E. Request Technical from the State of Nevada who has implemented do-or-die water conservation strategies.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 32 - Doña Ana, Hidalgo & Luna cont.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has Q: Red or green? lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in A: Christmas. our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: • A. The NM Legislature must pass laws that restrict non-agricultural development on farmlands.

• B. NM should encourage the small-to-midscale farmer to explore hydroponics/aquaponics and to offer research and demonstration projects to save water and increase production.

• C. Design farm loan programs to be more accessible to the smallto-mid-scale farmer with lower interest..longer terms.

• D. Incentivize farmers for employing water-saving strategies by exploring futuristic farming methods.

District 35 - Doña Ana Name: *Angelica Rubio (D) City of Residence: Las Cruces Email: angelica@rubionm35.com Phone Number: (575) 616-1151

2024 Primary Voter Guide 19

District 35 - Doña Ana cont.

Name: Gabrial Duran, Jr. (D) Occupation: Qualified Real Estate Broker/ Business Owner/ Substitute Teacher City of Residence: Las Cruces Highest Level of Education: Masters Degree (Public Administration) Campaign Website: www.citizensforgabrielduran.com Relevant Experience: I have generational experience in agriculture. My mother and her family were farm and ranch workers throughout California, Texas, and New Mexico. My Fathers side was instrumental in the agriculture of Las Cruces from the early 1940s when Main Street area was agriculture land. Both families have continued to be a part of the agriculture community and I owe so much of my opportunities to agriculture. My Native American roots have also provided me with the understanding of the importance of agriculture.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Our rural communities are what make New Mexico... New Mexico.

We have lost focus on the importance of agriculture. We rely on our agriculture for clean and healthy food as well as economically, we can not dismiss the community of people who make it all happen.

I will support my local and statewide communities with bills that protect their livelihood and opportunity to flourish.

20 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: I may have a bias opinion because my father was a water technician and taught me about the issues and importance with water in NM. When I discussed this with farmers in my region, they expressed their concerns with previous bills that send so much of our water to areas other then New Mexico. I also reached out to State of Engineers to get a deeper understanding. I was sad to hear the issue we are having in illegal drilling in New Mexico. We have not been able to enforce our laws that protect our water from theft and contamination due to the lack of enforcement allowed. These are some of the areas I will fight for.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Hearing that New Mexico has lost over 4,000 family farms since 2017 is tough. Agriculture is a big part of who we are here, and it’s not just about farming, it’s about our culture and supporting our rural communities. We’ve got to start by supporting our farmers. That means investing in programs to help them access land, water, and resources they need to thrive. We also need policies that promote local food production and make it easier for small farmers to sell their products. And let’s not forget about helping the next generation of farmers get started. By providing training, mentorship, and financial support, we can ensure that agriculture continues to be a strong and vibrant part of our state’s future.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 39 - Catron, Grant & Hidalgo Name: Gabrielle Begay (D) Occupation: Educator City of Residence: Santa Clara Highest Level of Education: I have a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of the Southwest.

Campaign Website: https://www.gabbyfornm.com/ and begayfornmhouse@gmail.com and https://www.facebook.com GabbyforNM/about gabbyfornmhouse on Instagram Relevant Experience: I worked at a grocery store for 10 years, which gave me experience with sourcing food from producers and meeting customers needs and preferences regarding food. I also helped my great grandparents who lived on the Navajo reservation with their farm animals.

They raised sheep, cows, llamas, chickens, and ducks.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Rural areas of the state face acute shortages of healthcare workers, as well as a lack of sufficient hospitals and clinics. I am committed to working on incentives and other programs to remedy these problems, including direct state funding when needed. Many rural areas are in great need of economic development, especially for our young people, so I will be seeking out ways of supporting initiatives such as the development of outdoor recreation opportunities which can draw out-of town-visitors. We also need programs that facilitate both the starting and the sustaining of small businesses. Vocational training, including for new economic opportunities such as green energy installation and maintenance can help create jobs in our rural areas.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: I know that the history and laws relating to water allocations are complex, so I will need more learning in this area before I can evaluate solutions. The obvious steps of using water conservation practices in all sectors need to be encouraged with education and incentives. We also need comprehensive studies of water systems and availability, and accompanying statewide planning for the short and long term.

These studies and plans need input from all stakeholders.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: New Mexico already has a number of important programs such as supporting farmers markets, developing regional food hubs to aid local farmers in the distribution and marketing of their products, and practicing local food sourcing for institutions such as schools, hospitals, and food pantries. We can also draw on the lead of some other states who have developed innovative programs for aiding young farmers and ranchers who face mounting financial obstacles (e.g., land prices) to entering agriculture as a livelihood. As an educator, I feel that we need school programs for all children to learn about and experience how their food is produced and the entire food system works — with this knowledge, they will better appreciate the value of agriculture in our state.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 21

District 39 - Catron, Grant & Hidalgo cont.

Name: Gilbert Diaz Guadiana (D) Occupation: Retired City of Residence: Bayard Highest Level of Education: Masters Degree in Public Administration from the JFK School of Government at Harvard University and BA in Computer Campaign Website: work in progress, should be up soon and I will provide information when it is operating.

Relevant Experience: • 20 years in state and local government in California and NM. • 10 years experience in Administrative capacities.

• 10 years experience working a Chino Mines in Grant County beginning as a laborer and rising to the level of Journeyman Electrician.

Left to attend Grad School.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Create a collaboration where the schools and universities serve the community by providing research that provide more efficient water use, treatment, and recycling as well as methods for plant growth and animal raising.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Promoting residential water conservation is one method. However, higher impact areas are promoting water treatment (gray water systems for non-human/animal consumption) and developing water treatment/reuse in mining operations. Agriculture is another opportunity to explore and promote alternative water uses and options for alternative water conscience products and systems.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Moving to a more micro system versus the macro (aka AgraBusiness) models. Family farms should be able to direct provide products to market including eggs and milk so long a quality assurance is assured. Growth in farmers’ markets would sustain farms and promote tourism. Universities need to provide research for improved technologies and treatment/reuse.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

District 41 - Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe & Taos Name: Margaret Cecilia Campos (D) City of Residence: Dixon Email: margaret@mcamposdistrict41.org Phone Number: (505) 927-8701

Name: *Susan K. Herrera (D) City of Residence: Embudo Email: susanherrera.nm41@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 699-2271

22 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 43 - Los Alamos, Sandoval & Santa Fe Name: Chris Luchini (L) Occupation: Software company owner City of Residence: Los Alamos Highest Level of Education: PhD Campaign Website: https://chrisluchini.org Relevant Experience: Grew up helping on the family farm.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: There is a radical disconnect between paper water (water rights) and physical water. These two need to be brought into closer alignment ASAP. Ideally farmers should be able to buy/lease/sell/rent water rights in less than 1 hour, with out all the uncertainty of the State Engineer, lawyers, etc.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: 1) The NM government support of monopoly access to high speed internet hurts rural areas, and has been a malignancy in this state since the late 1990’s. Internet coops need to be deregulated, and non-exclusive contracts given to small startups to use government internet backbones to provide internet 2) De-centralizing education via micro-schools, co-schooling between k-12 and junior colleges,

and other innovative evidence based educational innovations. The bigotry of low expectations wrt rural education is unacceptable.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: This is personal to me as I watched my father being forced to sell the family farm in a downturn. While farm debt and farms too small to produce a enough $ for a sustainable farm lifestyle is the largest and most intractable issue, the expense of ever increasing micro-regulation sucks up time and money from each farm. Additionally, facilitating assistance/access to the H2A program would greatly help many small farms that need seasonal help. Registering/access to the H2A program is so daunting that most small operations just give up.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Phillip Michael Mach (L) City of Residence: Los Alamos Email: machpublic@protonmail.com Phone Number: (469) 248-6224

2024 Primary Voter Guide 23

District 44 - Bernalillo & Sandoval Name: Ali Ennenga (R) Occupation: Notary Signing Agent City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: Masters Degree Campaign Website: alifornm.com Relevant Experience: • Masters in Education • Bachelors in Criminal Justice Administration • Small business owner • Educator • Paralegal Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I will work with anyone to do good. Meaning, I will work with other House representatives to make sure that we are looking at the effect of public lands/property taxes in the rural communities, building a budget to encompass the issues for these communities, and make sure that we are equitably utilizing funds to promote a self-sufficient state.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Water is a difficult and multi-faceted issue. I know there are projects like small reactors to provide energy and clean up brackish water. This would go a long way in our state to utilize the water we have, promote agriculture again, and pay back Texas what we owe them.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: In the diary industry, we need to get a handle on the regulations. In farming, we need to work on the water issues. In the cattle industry, we need to make sure that the 30x30 initiative is abandoned permanently. We need to reconsider the state’s implementation of electronic identification of cattle. And in agriculture we need to look at the monopolies that the large packing plants have and how to handle this issue to support family businesses.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Name: Leticia Lil Munoz-Kaminski (R) City of Residence: Rio Rancho Email: nmredvolunteer@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 385-8181

24 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 50 - Sandoval & Santa Fe Name: Kenneth Donald Brennan (R) Occupation: Retired and Mayor of Edgewood NM City of Residence: Edgewood Highest Level of Education: High School Campaign Website: https://www.kenfornm.com/ Relevant Experience: • 20 Years US Navy Gas Turbine Electrician.

• 23 Years Industrial Gas Turbine and Wind Turbines.

• 2 years Edgewood NM Commission and • 7 Months as Mayor Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Medical services in rural NM is at an all time low. Agricultural workers have a dangerous job and injuries happen and when they do minutes count. NM needs to support and retain those valuable medical service professionals and start adding emergency and urgent health facilities in rural NM.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Improve conservation technologies and methods. Look for alternative water sources such as brackish water. Stop the use of vital water for Cannabis grow farms.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Keep foreign influences from buying up our prime agricultural properties for non-food production. Support our family farms, especially in times of need so they are not forced to sell the family land.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Wendy Ann Lossing (R) City of Residence: Stanley Email: Lossing4NM@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 692-7551

2024 Primary Voter Guide 25

District 51 - Otero Name: Steve W. Brockett (D) City of Residence: Alamogordo Email: stevebrockett@live.com Phone Number: (575) 491-5030

Name: Ashlie L. Myers (D) City of Residence: Alamogordo Email: ashliemyers4otero@gmail.com Phone Number: (907) 388-8372

District 53 - Doña Ana & Otero Name: *Willie D. Madrid (D) Occupation: State Representative City of Residence: Chaparral Highest Level of Education: Bachelors Degree Campaign Website: williemadrid53.com or State Representative Willie Madrid on Facebook Relevant Experience: I have bit of experience of small scale ranching, for half of my childhood in Chaparral.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A:I’m building a food pantry that will be federally supported/funded and Adelante senior meals on wheels.

26 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: That’s an ongoing question that has a lot of solutions. I think, given our state’s climate there’s times in the year when we’re hit with an abundance of rain or snow and we should look at some level of investment of an aqueduct system to preserve/store the water and move it through the state. And maybe moving agriculture to other watering methods such as drip systems, that leave less water to evaporate.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: I think the pandemic taught us that we were hurt by not being able to provide our own ranch farm needs because we were unable to sell to ourselves. I think one of the things to help was to remove restrictions that empowers farmers and ranchers to sell to who they need to.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 53 - Doña Ana & Otero cont.

Name: Jon Hill (D) Occupation: human resource consultant, educator (retired), human resource professional (retired) City of Residence: Las Cruces Highest Level of Education: Doctor of Education Campaign Website: https://drjonhill4nm.com/ Relevant Experience: • Current: Board chair, St. Andrew’s Hospitality House, leading strategic planning and building community support with the goal of expanding operations in future years.

• Human resource consultant in the areas of labor relations and employee relations.

• Previous: Organizer with national-level groups advancing the election of well-informed school board candidates committed to inclusive schools that respect personal freedom; the work of teachers; and all students regardless of race, gender, national origin, language or other characteristics.

• Twice elected school board member.

• Teacher, program specialist, K-6 principal, special education principal and county superintendent with a specialization in rural and remote schools and communities.

• Doctor of education with expertise in finance and funding schools in remote and rural settings.

• Visible and engaged public servant with expertise in communities with a natural-resource based economy.

• Registered lobbyist in the state legislature advocating for education issues generally and rural education specifically. Frequent collaborator with the Sagebrush Coalition representing schools, communities and counties before the legislature.

• Board member of a national entity: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Board.

• Board member of state level boards and commissions: teacher education and licensing (5 years), state bar governing board as a

public member (6 years), state bar ethics panel as a public member (2 years), Legislative Council on Quality Education (2 years), and various legislative work groups and short-term committees.

• Board member on a local level: architectural review, planning commission, public access internet and others.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: • Improving the efficient use of the water we have.

• More actively adopting methods for reusing gray water or previously used water that may have contaminants.

• Improving our knowledge of and wise use of underground water.

• Capture rainwater.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: • A priority is developing young farmers including education, training and financial support.

• A second priority is finding ways to preserve family farming or local farm cooperatives that are able to compete with corporate farms.

• A third priority is ensure farming is well protected through land use and water use regulations.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 27

District 53 - Doña Ana & Otero cont.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that • I have done a lot of work at the city and county level where I learned about communities whose economy is based on natural resources. you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in I am concerned that communities, too, are supported. When laws addition to the specific needs of your district? or regulations are developed those natural resources in any way, I • A: In question 5, above, I cited a long history of working in, around, expect the legislature to build a soft landing for the communities as and for rural communities. If elected, I will do as I did then. I will a whole and the individual people who are affected. fight, argue, and persuade legislators to make sure “the water gets all the way to the end of the row.” That is, state dollars and Q: Red or green? the services cannot stop at Santa Fe. They cannot stop at AlbuA: Green. querque. They can not even stop at Las Cruces. My job will be to ensure that communities like Organ and Chaparral receive and enjoy the benefits of state government.

• I will not be supporting poorly written bills with a glitzy title. I will be working to fix those bills (usually working with a coalition of legislators) when they can be appropriately fixed.

28 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 55 - Eddy & Lea Name: *Cathrynn N. Brown (R) Occupation: Attorney (retired) City of Residence: Carlsbad Highest Level of Education: J.D., Law Campaign Website: cathrynnbrown.com Relevant Experience: I am in my 14th year of serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives. I spent several terms on the previously named House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: In my opinion, conservative legislators like myself who live in rural communities and who serve rural communities within our districts have succeeded in making the needs of these small, relatively remote communities an unavoidable issue in the New Mexico Legislature. Just a few years ago, the majority party in the legislature was saying that there is no urban/rural divide. That was laughably false. One way I am helping rural communities is via my $380,000 allocation of “Junior” or “GRO” money to the Southeast New Mexico Council of Governments in 2024, with instructions for the COG to use this funding to hire grant writers and build capacity to help communities apply for federal and other grants to help address their various needs.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: We need to fully respect private property rights and the doctrine of prior appropriation and at the same time encourage the use of best practices for using water wisely and efficiently. One solution to shortages involves cleaning up brackish water and produced water, which are found in abundant supply in southeastern New Mexico. A

collaboration between state and federal agencies could bring such projects to fruition. The U.S. Department of Energy, for example, is willing to lease several thousand acres near the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) to achieve a “Clean Up to Clean Energy” project, yet to be defined. It would be possible to build a power plant to provide the energy needed to operate a desalination plant and produce good water out of bad. Of course, a New Mexico utility would need to be involved in any such endeavor. During the recently concluded legislative session, cloud seeding was discussed, the benefits of which could help reduce water shortages.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: State policies need to make sense and not hinder New Mexico’s agriculture industry. Whenever legislation is introduced that would be harmful to farming and ranching, we must defeat it. I believe that a robust effort must be made to provide students in junior high and high school with ag-related career technical education (CTE) courses, in addition to the providing of support for 4-H and FFA programs. We literally have to grow the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Farm-to-Table programs have a role to play in supporting New Mexico agriculture, and the recently passed Meat Inspection Act will aid ranchers in keeping New Mexico grown beef in the state.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 29

District 55 - Eddy & Lea cont.

Name: John Jack S. Volpato, Jr. (R) Occupation: pharmacist City of Residence: Carlsbad Highest Level of Education: BS PHARM Campaign Website: volpatofornm.com Relevant Experience: I live on a small farm and have owned several farms. I am amember of the Farm Bureau. I promarily raise Alfalfa and have a brand registry on file for my livestock. My family has an 18 section ranch in Harding county .

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: for my district, I would like to see more of the State royalties collected from state land be reverted to the counties of origin to help with schools and infrastructure projects

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: For my crops I try to employ water saving measures such as laser planing and using drough tolerant seed. In a macro sense, I feel the Office of the State Engineer has mismanaged our states rescources and needs to be held accountable through legislation Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: We need to start at our schools and revamp the FFA programs. In my area land values have increased dramatically and the farmers are selling to developers as fellow farmers cannot buy farms at the current land value and make any profit. I am really not sure how you combat this problem Q: Red or green?

A: Red.

District 57 - Sandoval Name: Catherine Jeanette Cullen (R) City of Residence: Rio Rancho Email: Cullen4NM@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 710-4462

30 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

Name: Corrine Rios (R) City of Residence: Rio Rancho Email: p_crios@hotmail.com Phone Number: (505) 339-8311

* Incumbent

District 57 - Sandoval cont.

Name: John Richard D’Antonio, Jr. (R) Occupation: Water Resources Engineer and Consultant City of Residence: Rio Rancho Highest Level of Education: BSCE in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico Campaign Website: Campaign website coming soon. Visit: www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-antonio-jr-pe-8a0880213 Relevant Experience: John D’Antonio is a well-known water expert with decades of experience in water resources engineering, regulation, and management, including implementation of sound water policy using technical engineering judgment in combination with extensive water rights knowledge and expertise. John was the New Mexico State Engineer (NMOSE)/Secretary of the Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) under 3 different Governors and developed key relationships with local, state, and federal agencies in support of agriculture in NM. John has always been a proponent of private property rights in NM and has successfully supported state and federal legislation and funding to protect senior water rights, including funding for farmers to voluntarily fallow land with monetary compensation to help deal with current drought issues. John is currently working to support the agricultural community in SE NM by using treated produced water & brackish water to augment the dwindling Ogallala aquifer in support of continued agricultural production.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Agricultural and rural communities are the backbone of American exceptionalism that includes protection of all of our constitutional freedoms including the protection of our food sources and private property rights. Those freedoms should extend to every

community in NM, including my district which I will support if elected to the best of my ability.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: As the former State Engineer for New Mexico, and since 2003 I have recognized that drought is a normal occurrence in NM and that senior water rights as well as property rights need to be protected.

In 2003, I orchestrated the Active Water Resources Management initiative that was the backbone for NM’s defense against the State of Texas from taking our water and sets up the mechanism to allow for the marketplace to address periods of drought by allowing the agriculture community to voluntarily provide water to other users with compensation so that NM can manage its water supply through periods of drought. I will continue to support fallowing programs with compensation and will actively support new sources of water such as desalination of brackish water and the safe utilization of treated Produced Water.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: There is currently a lack of transparency and oversight for programs that support industrial operations and integrated meatpackers to the detriment of family farmers. Family farmers need a level playing field and the next Farm Bill should address accountability and transparency so that local farmers and ranchers can remain competitive.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 31

District 59 - Chaves Name: *Jared A. Hembree (R) Occupation: Attorney City of Residence: Roswell Highest Level of Education: Graduate school degree (J.D.) Campaign Website: jaredfornm.com Relevant Experience: No response provided Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Infrastructure like roads and highways are vital to the rural economies, and I support projects to build and upgrade rural infrastructure. I also support measures that will increase access to health care for our rural communities.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: The state needs to continue to help fund infrastructure upgrade projects that will promote water efficiency in the agricultural industry and in the oil and gas industry.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Part of the reason that we have lost so many family farms is increased regulation. I support some deregulation and oppose any further regulation. I am also opposed to electric vehicle mandates and clean fuel standards which drive up the costs of transportation and the cost of supplies for the family farms.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Tracy Delarosa (R) City of Residence: Roswell Email: tracy4nm@outlook.com Phone Number: (575) 420-2353

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Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 62 - Lea Name: Debra Hicks (R) City of Residence: Hobbs Email: elect.debrahicks@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 379-4533

Name: Elaine Sena Cortez (R) City of Residence: Hobbs Email: elaine@senacortez.com Phone Number: (575) 390-5744

Name: D’nae Robinett Mills (R) City of Residence: Hobbs Email: drm@drmfornm.com Phone Number: (575) 942-2474

District 68 - Bernalillo Name: Virginia D. Gonzales (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: vgonzalesabq68@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 859-2677

Name: Nathan T. Brooks (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: votebrooks4newmexico@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 720-3906

2024 Primary Voter Guide 33

District 69 - Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, San Juan, Socorro & Valencia Name: *Harry Garcia (D) City of Residence: Grants Email: hgarcia69@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 290-7510

Name: Stanley E. Michael (D) City of Residence: San Mateo Email: stan_m@live.com Phone Number: (307) 689-5672

Name: Michelle P. Abeyta (D) City of Residence: Tohajiilee Email: mpabeyta@outlook.com Phone Number: (505) 803-2918

District 70 - San Miguel & Torrance Name: *Ambrose M. Castellano (D) City of Residence: Serafina Email: ambrosecastellano274@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 470-4578

34 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 70 - San Miguel & Torrance cont.

Name: Anita Amalia Gonzales (D) Occupation: Deputy Director for NM Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (NM MESA)tant City of Residence: Las Vegas Highest Level of Education: MBA, New Mexico Highlands University Campaign Website: https://anita4newmexico.com/ Relevant Experience: I am a commissioner on 2 local acequias.

Professionally, I am also a STEM educator that works with schools across the state to encourage secondary education and building a STEM workforce, including agriculture. We have partnered with many local and statewide programs to actively promote education and careers within the Ag industry specifically targeting students in rural communities that are looking to carry on community traditions of farming and ranching. A sample of recent programming includes: • Partnership on Ag Day with the NMSU College of Ag • Partnership with the New Mexico Acequia Association to provide educational workshops to our students and teachers and promote their programs.

• Partnership with Ag in the Classroom to provide student and teacher learning opportunities.

• Inclusion of Ag related STEM in our academic competitions.

• Support of school Ag programs, greenhouses, and projects.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: My district is entirely a rural district and for some background, I come from a family of ranchers here in Las Vegas and in the Villanueva communities. In my lifetime, I have witnessed the major decline in Agriculture just in my home community. Currently, I am a commissioner on 2 local acequias with my family being parciantes on many additional acequias throughout the region. This has allowed me to

work with the many neighbors that rely on this traditional system to support their ranches and small farming projects. With regards to Agricultural support, I would work to preserve our valuable land and water resources, I would support local efforts by farmers and ranchers to create a viable food system and distribution network, and I would support policies that would encourage local farming and ranching.

Overall, as a rural legislator I would advocate to make sure that rural New Mexico is represented in all policies and considered in all decisions. My main policies of supporting education, rural healthcare, rural infrastructure, protecting our natural resources, helping our families make ends meet in today’s economy all come from the desire to support my home community and others that are facing the same struggles.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Water is probably the single most concern for multiple sectors.

Majority of the state relies on groundwater for public water supplies, like drinking water and irrigation. Much of this groundwater is generated yearly through snow and rainfall, which has become less frequent due to climate change. A first step would be to address state water planning for current water protection. Currently many of New Mexico’s surface waters are now vulnerable and do not have adequate protections under state law with the Supreme Court decision in the 2023 Sackett v. EPA case. Because of the designation of much of our water sources as intermittent and being closed basins, our state was affected more than most and leaves us vulnerable. Additionally, we do not have a state surface water permitting program or any current regulatory authority. We need to strengthen our state water protections including funding for adequate regulatory programs, surface water permitting programs, and inclusion of the many affected waterways affected by the Sackett ruling.

Water quantity and water quality is a major concern for the state 2024 Primary Voter Guide 35

District 70 - San Miguel & Torrance cont. and in particular for my district and the concern has only magnified post fire recovery. Main water issues of my district include preservation of the Pecos River while still being obligated by the Pecos River Compact; rehabilitation of the Gallinas River watershed; ensuring federal funding allocation ($140 million) to reconfigure the drinking water system for Las Vegas and the surrounding communities; protection of acequias and other waterways for cultural and agricultural use; and replenishing the Estancia Basin water supply.

Water protections and regulations have to be in order in order to preserve what little water supply we do have for both drinking water and agricultural usage. Current solutions that could be explored are inter-basin pipelines, conservation measures to reduce the demand in agriculture and public water supply needs, watershed restoration, honoring water priority rights, technology utilization for pre-treatment and wastewater treatment, and protection from industries that have the potential for water contamination and domination.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: We depend on Agriculture for healthy, safe, and nutritious food.

The loss of family farms is likely a combination of challenges with climate change, increasing operational costs, and the increase in technology which family farms are sometimes unable to afford and compete against. To support the Ag industry and small farms in general, I believe a few things could impact the viability of the industry: Improvement in policy: policies should work to retain farmers, specifically in uncompetitive and low-income markets. Programs that work to build the small scale farm in their ability to work collectively should be encouraged in order to compete in larger markets.

36 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Continued investment into state programs are also critical to ensure the success of ranchers.

Increase in technological support: the future of farming is largely impacted by automated aggregation, processing, and the ability for small farms to keep up with advances sometimes afforded only by large scale operations. Technical assistance is a key factor in thriving in today’s competitive markets.

Supporting long term sustainability of the Ag Sector: This comes from supporting innovation, investing in human capital and the future of the workforce to build needed skills, supporting cultural systems already in place, support of environmental policies that ensure the long term viability of the resources needed for future production, and long term investment in our states industries.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

e t a n e S

s e t a d Candi 2024 Primary Voter Guide 37

District 3 - McKinley & San Juan Name: *Shannon Pinto (D) City of Residence: Tohatchi Email: sdp21.2000@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 728-8986

Name: Sherylene M. Yazzie (D) City of Residence: Brimhall Email: yahzegurl@yahoo.com Phone Number: (505) 879-0903

District 4 - Cibola, McKinley & San Juan Name: *George K. Munoz (D) City of Residence: Gallup Email: sanatormunoz@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 722-6570

38 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 4 - Cibola, McKinley & San Juan cont.

Name: Keith Edward Hillock (D) Occupation: Transportation Director and Teacher City of Residence: Gallup Highest Level of Education: Military school and some college and I have been doing continuing education for 40 years. No degree Campaign Website: Hillockforstatesenate.com Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, or call me 505-397-9706 All of my sites are still being worked on.

Relevant Experience: Grew up on a milk farm helping William Clark farm in Westbrook Maine. My daughter married a rancher. I grow a small garden every year. I worked in the oil and gas industry in ND and listened to the radio and Ag reports every day. So basically, I have very little experience. I will need to rely on the trusted professionals like yourself!

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Great question! I live in a very rural area called Breadsprings, I am deep in the Navajo reservation area that they call the checkerboard area. We suffer with lack of water, Dirt roads from the county that a fire truck or Ambulance can’t get through at times. I don’t have a landline phone because the phone company says they don’t have enough phone lines in the area. All Cable TV or Internet needs to come from an expensive satellite system. I would like to propose legislation that would make State and County roads be paved within a 10-mile radius of any fire and ambulance station whether it is a volunteer, City, State, or county fire department. We must improve the rural area for Internet and help fund internet programs that would supply Starlink internet service to students and family’s that rely on the internet for their education. We need our county, state and native leaders to work together to help the rural community’s

because what happens is we will drill wells on the reservation, but the county won’t give a right of way for the underground pipes needed to transport the water. I will work with all the leaders to help facilitate and coordinate a communication system that works for my community.

Thank You for using a capital C on the word Christmas!

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: I can’t make it rain but I can approve and push legislation for accessibility. to the areas needed without a cost to the rancher. What Harry Reid did to the Bundy family was a disgrace! No rancher should be treated like that or have to pay grazing fees on land that they already pay taxes for. meaning federal and state land should have accessible for free if the ranchers land has suffered a drought situation.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: This situation plagues many states, not just New Mexico. I would like to follow the South Dakota legislation to prevent China and companies from outside the United states from buying up our farms. I would like to support more water canals going to areas that have suffered drought situations. I would love to see a homestead act for Legal New Mexican residents if they would help grow the farming industry.

I would like to encourage our youth to get involved with Future farmers of America but putting more scholarship money towards it and grants for young families to start their own family business. We need to educate the youth starting in first grade with funding field trips and Agriculture programs like the one at Hozho Academy Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 39

District 8 - Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, San Miguel & Taos Name: *Pete Campos (D) Occupation: Educator City of Residence: Las Vegas Highest Level of Education: EdD Doctorate in Education Campaign Website: petecampos.com Relevant Experience: Civic Leader Career Educator Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I have championed efforts to ensure rural and frontier communities have the resources necessary to provide everything from safe drinking water to infrastructure support so area schools with organizations such as 4-H and local businesses thrive.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A:I have dealt with drought issues throughout my career as a civic leader, mayor, educator and state senator always assisting with community water/wastewater issues, acequia and dam issues, water distribution and quality water consumption methods and safeguards.

It is important we map and monitor our surface and ground water resources. This provides us with an accurate account of water quality and availability for domestic, agricultural, animal, environmental and recreational use.

I am actively involved in statewide water conservation methods to ensure an adequate water supply is available to meet our basic consumptive needs.

40 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: I have been actively supportive of farm and ranch organizations, educational institutions like New Mexico State University, soil and water conservation districts, farmers markets, food to table storage and delivery for schools and senior citizen centers, and many other efforts to encourage home grown animals and vegetables.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 8 - Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, San Miguel & Taos cont.

Name: G. Michael Lopez (D) Occupation: Physician City of Residence: Las Vegas Highest Level of Education: MD doctor of medicine Campaign Website: drgmlopezforsenate.com Relevant Experience: None. This is my first foray

into politics Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Provide grants to small rural communities for infrastructure improvements including internet acess.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: • Eliminate low value water uses.

• Improved infrastructures for water storage.

• Better enforcement of water laws.

• Provide more resources for Acequias. They are the lifeblood of farms and ranches in northern New Mexico.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: We need to provide more resources to farmers and ranchers including low interest loans, awards for agricultural projects.

Provide grants to organizations that train, educate, and provide technical assistance to both new and established ranches and farmers Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

District 9 - Bernalillo & Sandoval Name: Frida Susana Vasquez (R) City of Residence: Rio Rancho Email: vasquez4nm@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 414-6899

2024 Primary Voter Guide 41

District 9 - Bernalillo & Sandoval cont.

Name: Audrey Trujillo (R) Occupation: Self Employeed City of Residence: Corrales Highest Level of Education: MA Public Administration, UNM Campaign Website: AudreyTrujilloNM.com Relevant Experience: President of the Patients Association, Ditch Rider Vallecitos NM. Water irrigation Mendonca/ Trujillo Ranch Area 52 Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I live in Corrales a very rural community. The district I am running for which includes Placitas, The Town of Bernalillo, Algodones and Sandia Pueblo is very rural. Each area is very unique. I plan to make sure our farmers and ranchers’ land and water rights are protected.

I also plan to work with the local councils and associations in each town and Village on Preservation Land grants to protect farms and ranches from being sold to commercial developers. It is also so important to keep government small and local. Land Owners and small businesses should have the tools and financial backing to protect their properties and ways of life. Teaching our youth respect and customs is also important. I will always support the local Future Farmers of America and any organizations that provide education for our youth.

42 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: We should make sure we have local irrigation management. It is important that each community has a committee to discuss solutions pertaining to their area. The majordomo “ DitchRider” can create irrigation schedules based on the level of water and rain. Management of early acequia cleaning and schedules based on the status of drought measures. Always keep the water management local, less government control.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Preservation of farmland is extremely important. Protect the open lands by making sure they do not get commercially developed. We need to make sure the local government has strict covenants against building tracks of housing developers. It is also important to protect small local businesses by purchasing from local community vendors.

Educate the local landowners on the challenges of droughts and precautions and solutions , so they can prepare wisely. Also many ranchers, farmers should diversify their income with other industries or small business to supplement income on the rough seasons. For example my parents sell honey and beef jerky. My uncle has 140 acres of farmland where he grows hay and he runs a local general store.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 9 - Bernalillo & Sandoval cont.

Name: Heather Balas (D) Occupation: Vice President, Election Reformers Network City of Residence: Corrales Highest Level of Education: Masters in communication from the University of Maryland and Policy Leadership Credential from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Campaign Website: www.HeatherForNewMexico.org Relevant Experience: PERSONAL LIFE: I am a fifth-generation New Mexican raised in Portales in a farming and ranching family. My first jobs in high school and college were for my grandparents’ peanut farming business. In addition to being growers, my grandparents established the Portales Select Peanut company, a processing mill that dried, salted and roasted peanuts. Additionally, my husband Joe Wellborn and I were married on my family’s cattle ranch, on the edge of Bull Canyon, in eastern New Mexico. (People had to REALLY like us to want to attend, since the location required travel on 30 miles of what we described as “”good, unpaved road.””) Years later, Joe (now a marketing professional) joined the board of directors for the NM Chile Association and launched the annual NM Chile Tasteoff in Socorro. I have been a key volunteer for that event each year, most recently in 2023.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE: I led the public policy organization New Mexico First for 12 years, during which time we held multiple public deliberations on water policy and agriculture. We had a multi-year contract in partnership with the NM Cooperative Extension Agency at NMSU to develop the New Mexico Agricultural Resilience Plan (aka “”The Ag Plan””). Among many activities were a dozen public hearings with farmers, ranchers, processors and other stakeholders (over 600 people), who offered recommendations about how to sustain a healthy agricultural sector in New Mexico. Members of the NM Farm and Livestock Bureau, the NM Farmers Marketing Association, the

NM Young Farmers Coalition, the NM Acequia Association, and the NM Department of Agriculture were key members of the task force that developed the plan. (https://nmfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/ sites/230/2021/03/Natural-Resources-Ag-plan-Resilience-in-New-Mexico-Agriculture-Final-2017.pdf) Among the outcomes were the Agricultural Workforce Development Program. (I left New Mexico First in 2019 so do not have the final list of policy outcomes from the work but have requested a copy.)

Independent of the Ag Plan work, I represented New Mexico First as an active member of the coalition that passed the NM Forest and Watershed Restoration Act -- which was endorsed by a broad, cross-partisan set of stakeholders including the NM Farm & Livestock Bureau as well as the NM Cattle Growers.

CANDIDACY: Additionally, my candidacy is supported by many people connected to agriculture including my campaign treasurer, Gene Baca of Bueno Foods, Dino Cervantes of Cervantes Enterprises, NM Senator Joseph Cervantes, and former legislative candidate and farmer Kevin Lucero. (Plus members of Portales family -- even several not in my political party!)

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I mentioned above that my husband led the effort to launch the NM Chile Taste-off, which brings hundreds of people annually to the Socorro Rodeo Arena and exposes them to information booths about agricultural interests as well as direct contact with chile farmers. This is one example of a strategy that supports rural life while educating urban residents about ag interests. Additionally, programs like MainStreet aim to support overall economic development in rural communities.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 43

District 9 - Bernalillo & Sandoval cont.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Water planning, drought mitigation planning, innovations in irrigation practices (where hydrologically appropriate), and continued water rights adjudications are some strategies for addressing water supply problems statewide. Additionally, targeted regional solutions can be addressed as they arise, such as repairing the collapsed siphon that affects acequia supplies in Corrales. (This repair will also require thoughtful negotiation with tribal government, since right-of-way access must be provided by Sandia Pueblo.)

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: A few strategies: Improved access to capitol and credit access, farmland preservation, resources and training for current and future farmers, expanded K-12 education about agriculture including where our food comes from, and estate-planning for farming families so that more land and equipment remains in the family when elders pass away. Additionally, as new government regulations that affect small businesses overall are introduced, they should be considered through the lens of impacts on small farms and ranches.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Cindy Nava (D) Occupation: Policy advocate and consultant; former Senior Policy Advisor, Field Policy and Management, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development City of Residence: Bernalillo Highest Level of Education: Master’s degree, Educational Leadership & Policy, Concentration: Higher Education Policy & Politics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM Campaign Website: cindynavafornewmexico.com Relevant Experience: I have over twenty years of policy advocacy experience. As the Executive Director of Transform Education New Mexico, I spearheaded the creation of a platform to advance education reform that reflects and incorporates the cultural heritage of our diverse communities in our state, values educators, and ensures resources are allocated to public schools to ensure success.

With the support of my family, I became the first in my family to graduate college and the first Dreamer (DACA recipient) in the country to be appointed by the White House, where I served as Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

My work nationally included the expansion of HUD resources to support affordable housing across the department’s 64 field offices, the implementation of innovative methods to address homelessness, and ongoing Tribal engagement in partnership with the Office of Native American Programs and the first ever HUD Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee.

44 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 9 - Bernalillo & Sandoval cont.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in addition to the specific needs of your district? our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking A: One of my primary priorities is ensuring all New Mexicans have at to help support and expand our agricultural sector? access to affordable, accessible, high quality healthcare. Many A: New Mexico needs to invest funding into supporting family farms rural New Mexicans are traveling hours to access basic care. I will and incentivizing food production in our state. New Mexico can profight to recruit healthcare professionals and incentivize profesvide technological and educational support, as well as direct dollars sionals who practice in rural areas. I will also fight for funding for into keeping family farms afloat. We can also invest dollars into growrural hospitals, who often face financial difficulty when operating in rural New Mexico. Further, I will ensure that funding and policy for ing value add products, which offer increased profits and protection against the sometimes volatile commodities markets. education take into account the unique needs of agricultural and rural communities. I will also fight to provide job training for high Q: Red or green? quality, well paying jobs as our economy and job needs shift across A: Christmas. the state.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Agriculture is among the most critical sectors in both New Mexico’s economy, and its essential importance to sustaining life. We must prioritize agricultural uses of water. At the same time, we must also pursue water conservation efforts in agriculture, using both traditional models like acequias and contemporary technological solutions.

District 10 - Bernalillo Name: Rudy B. Mora (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: morarudy@comcast.net Phone Number: (505) 991-0196

Name: Marie Y. Valencia (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: mymarie85@yahoo.com Phone Number: (505) 899-6167

2024 Primary Voter Guide 45

District 11 - Bernalillo Name: *Linda M. Lopez (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: lopez4148@msn.com Phone Number: (505) 831-4148

Name: Richard Carrion (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: vote4richardcarrion@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 980-4747

Name: Phillip Ramirez (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: ramirez4senate@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 507-2345

District 12 - Bernalillo & Sandoval Name: Jay C. Block (R) City of Residence: Rio Rancho Email: jayblock1970@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 415-6881

Name: Candace Thompson Gould (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: info@gouldfornmstatesenate.com Phone Number: (505) 269-7711

District 13 - Bernalillo Name: *Bill B. O’Neill (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: oneillhd15@fastmail.us Phone Number: (505) 450-9263 46 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

Name: M. Debbie O’Malley (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: mdebbieomalley@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 918-2444 * Incumbent

District 15 - Bernalillo Name: Heather Jean Berghmans (D) Occupation: Consultant City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: Masters, Public Administration Campaign Website: www.heatherfornmsenate. com/ Relevant Experience: I am a policy analyst and finance consultant.

For over five years, I worked with our state’s lawmakers to pass legislation that has contributed to major victories for working families and our environment.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Every community across the state needs to be listened to and have their unique needs respected. I believe that our rural communities need a voice in decisions affecting them and a seat at the table, and I will advocate for this as a legislator. My priorities of supporting working families, bettering education, access to healthcare, and protecting our environment all stem from my desire to support my community and all New Mexicans.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: We must do everything we can to prioritize water protection at the state level and regionally. New Mexico can only have a future if we have water, and every step necessary to protect our water resources should be taken. Possible solutions to implement could include measures to conserve water, such as restoring watersheds, smart wastewater treatment infrastructure, and preventing the exploration of our water sources.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Maintaining and supporting family farms across New Mexico is important to our state. We all eat, and therefore we all rely on the agriculture sector. For some background about myself, I grew up in Edgewood/Moriarty and spent my childhood surrounded by family pinto bean and corn farms. Although I am running to serve an urban district in Albuquerque, the rural lifestyle of New Mexico is close and personal to me. I believe that the state legislature should look at creative and strategic funding plans to support the agriculture sector. It is also important that the state maintain and regulate the water systems of New Mexico to ensure water access for the ag sector.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 47

District 15 - Bernalillo cont.

Name: *Daniel A. Ivey-Soto (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: nmsenate15@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 933-9770

District 21 - Bernalillo Name: Philip A. Snedeker (D) Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

Occupation: Retired What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

City of Residence: Albuquerque A: Subsdries /Tax relief, Educational efforts, program information to Highest Level of Education: BA-Soc. Sci., MA -Ed. offset such occurrences. Water storage, alternate watering strateAdmin., WNMU, Silver City, NM. gies, alternate crop production, alternate farming/ranching practices.

Campaign Website: philip.snedeker5@gmail.com Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in Relevant Experience: 47 years-Law Enforcement/Corrections. our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

Trained professional Educator/Administrator.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector? you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in A: Please refer to answer, question 8, and comments question 10. addition to the specific needs of your district?

Q: Red or green?

A: Please refer to answer, question 8 A: Green.

I will fully support and advocate for farmers and ranchers, and the needs of their communities. I will travel to such communities identifying their needs and concerns and undertaken action to address same.

48 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 21 - Bernalillo cont.

Name: Athena Ann Christodoulou (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: athenafornm@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 507-1955

Name: Nicole L. Tobiassen (R) Occupation: Business Coach City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: BA in history Campaign Website: www.nicolefornm.com Relevant Experience: While I have not coached a rancher, I have coached businesses in NM for 16 years, with a total revenue of well over $1 billion dollars. I look forward to learning more about your vital industry, and believe I can understand your challenges and opportunities from a business perspective.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I think we need to minimize unnecessary regulation and beauracracy, in order to grow, especially in agriculture and oil and gas.

Rural areas and my district are suffering in their access to medical care and a quality education. We need to do everything we can to grow economies in all districts, so that we can support access to the above mentioned. One idea, is to offer a 10 year moratorium on state income tax and property tax for any Dr, nurse, teacher or police officer willing to move to NM to serve our communities. We also need to insist that we rectify the medical malpractice caps for hospitals and medical staff. We are practically at a third world status when it comes to our access to medical care, especially in

Name: John C. Morton (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: jcm8000@msn.com Phone Number: (505) 220-3484

rural areas. I also believe that individual districts should be able to address how they meet required teaching hours vs days in class. The Governors recent mandate ignores the needs of many rural districts and it’s wrong.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Without water there is no ag in New Mexico. Making sure that people’s water rights are adjudicated and potentially metering the wells, is one solution. It seems that our agreement to send a high volume of water to TX is antiquated, but everything I read on that also makes it sound like a very complicated situation to get resolved.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: I’m a huge supporter of smaller government. We should restrict state and federal government from buying private farm land so that it is available for the next generation of farmers. That being said, the average farmer is 64. We need to create strong programs that educate our youth and provide them a clear path to a career in agriculture. I equate it to home ownership. Gen Z doesn’t see a path to home ownership, because of climbing home prices and interest rates. How can we expect them to believe they can create a prosperous life for 2024 Primary Voter Guide 49

District 21 - Bernalillo cont. their families at the increasing prices the government and conglom- Q: Red or green? erates are willing to pay for farm land? Our annual surplus should A: Green. be spent on programs that grow our economy, major industries and create opportunities for our youth to stay in NM. Low or zero interest farms loans could be one such program. High school programs that allow seniors to graduate with an AA in agricultural sciences, would help youth get started in the industry.

Name: Michael C. Wiener (R) Occupation: Businessman/ Consultant/Author / Former Realtor/ Former State Senator City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: BA - 1976 University of NM Campaign Website: www.WienerForSenate21.com also www.

MichaelCWiener.com Relevant Experience: Albuquerque City Councilor, Bernalillo County Commissioner, New Mexico State Senator Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: I will support Mobile Health Vans to provide Rural Medical Care = with incentives for MD’s/ RN’s and PA’s to provide health care to small towns and rural areas of New Mexico.

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Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Pipeline to take water from areas that get too much rain - to areas that need the water. It works for OIL and Gas - Why NOT for water?

And with rising seal levels / desalinization technology/ and refining of brackish water - many jobs could be created providing these water sources to areas that desperately NEED the water.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Explore and implement ALL viable incentives/ tax benefits to encourage rather than discourage family farms. Actively promote New Mexico grown agricultural products!

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 23 - Bernalillo Name: Terry Lynne Aragon (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: terrylaragon60@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 362-7796

Name: Manuel “Manny” Gonzales III (R) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: m3gonzales@comcast.net Phone Number: (505) 259-4131

District 24 - Santa Fe Name: Veronica Ray Krupnick (D) Occupation: Leadership Analyst, Office of NM House Majority Leader City of Residence: Santa Fe Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Arts in Public Health, Minor in Psychology Campaign Website: www.VeronicaForNewMexico.com Relevant Experience: For the past 5 1/2 years, I have worked as a social service professional as a Child Welfare Youth and Tribal Advocate within the local, state, national, and soon to be international child welfare community. As an enrolled tribal member, I have centered much of my advocacy on the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act, New Mexico’s Indian Family Protection Act, and uplifting the intersectional and vast challenges that face tribal communities here in New Mexico and across the country. I have been fortunate to also have strong connections to tribal leaders, such as Tewa Women United, who have passed on the tribal value of land stewardship and responsibility.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: As a Senator, I will maintain close relationships with constituents & community-centered organizations, and be hands-on about bringing better infrastructure and community support to rural areas. Growing up here in New Mexico I have seen the struggles and inequity our rural and tribal communities. As a tribal member, I understand the the challenges facing rural communities are directly intertwined with those of tribal communities, and I hope to bring greater visibility to those communities in the legislature. I would like to support efforts to increase infrastructure, such as plumbing, and access to broadband to our rural and tribal communities.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Water and access to this resource is a complex issue. I feel that the best way to create solutions is to prioritize the lives and livelihoods of New Mexicans and take a critical look at where the total percentage of the state’s water is allocated. From my research, about 43% of the Rio Grande’s river is used by our state, and 80% of the state’s water goes to agriculture. Our other largest water source, groundwater provides 87% of our drinking water. With such a huge dependence 2024 Primary Voter Guide 51

District 24 - Santa Fe on 2 sources a drought like what we are experiencing can be more than crippling. As Senator, I would want to meet with local communities, especially those most directly and detrimentally impacted, and review longitudinal studies on state-wide water usage and water rights to form solid bipartisan policies.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: I believe a decline in New Mexico agriculture is a loss to the state and its people. Our state’s gross domestic product is 7% in agriculture and food processing, despite being in a food desert. Crafting policies that bridge the gap between farmers and consumers will be critical and provide longevity to the industry. I would like to

explore policies and programs that create mutually beneficial support for both agricultural and the well-being of children, and would like to think creatively on how to get locally grown/sourced food into our schools and food banks, as well as supporting & increasing usage of SNAP benefits at local farmer’s markets.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Linda M. Trujillo (D) individuals and businesses within seven divisions: alcoholic beverage control, construction industries, manufactured housing, boards and Occupation: Retired Attorney commissions, securities, financial institutions, and the most recently City of Residence: Santa Fe added cannabis control division. I also served as the State Records Highest Level of Education: Juris Doctor - EmployAdministrator for the NM State Records and Archives Department. ment and Labor Law My public service includes two terms as on the Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education and two terms as the State RepresentaCampaign Website: www.lindatrujillofornm.com tive for District 48 in Santa Fe. Relevant Experience: Early in my career, I worked for an economic Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that development non-profit where I was responsible for licensing and you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in regulatory compliance under the Small Loan Act. I also developed and maintained partnerships with local communities around NM to addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: The needs of rural communities are closely connected with the promote entrepreneurship and small business economic developneeds of my community. I believe we must work together, rural and urment. ban, and I have constantly demonstrated open communication to find My service in government ranges from head start teacher to collaborative solutions to the issues impacting our beautiful state. licensed attorney. I have a total of 25+ years experience in public education and state government administration.

Most recently, I served as Superintendent of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. RLD regulates over 500,000 52 2024 Primary Voter Guide Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican * Incumbent

District 24 - Santa Fe cont.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: We all agree that water is necessary for life. I believe that we must make coordinated efforts to ensure there is water for today and the future. About 75% of water use supports agricultural production. I support the Governor’s 50-year water plan, which includes incentivizing water conservation and investing in infrastructure that re-uses water. Southwest Cheese is a perfect example of strategic investment of modern technology for water management. To accomplish this, we must collaborate with community members and leaders across all levels of government, especially in rural NM. I will support such a process and the long-term financial investment because I believe this is one of the most important issues of our lifetime.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: This is an area that I would rely on local experts and agencies like the NM Department of Agriculture. I have demonstrated this commitment in the past. For example, during my term as State Representative I regularly communicated with Clovis economic development leaders and actually organized a tour of Southwest Cheese for the Speaker of the House and invited other policy makers to open dialogue about the benefits and the needs of rural agriculture.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Name: Anna C. Hansen (D) City of Residence: Santa Fe Email: annahansensantafe@gmail.com Phone Number: (505) 920-0957

53 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

2024 Primary Voter Guide 53

District 26 - Bernalillo Name: Julie A. Radoslovich (D) Occupation: Retired Teacher/School Principal & Director City of Residence: Albuquerque Highest Level of Education: Master of Public Administration Campaign Website: www.julieforsd26.com Relevant Experience: For over twenty years, I served as a teacher and then Principal/Director with Albuquerque Public Schools at South Valley Academy. Legislatures benefit from voices informed by direct classroom experience. I also have postgraduate academic training in public administration as well as an extensive background in healthcare policy that encompasses nearly a decade of handson professional application. I am presently the Vice Chair of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board as well as a community advocate. With respect to agriculture specifically, my dad grew up in rural Clatyon, NM while my mother hailed from a farm in Indiana. In our South Valley home (where my sister still lives and farms), we raised animals and had a family garden that fed our large family of twelve.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: New Mexico is a state of richly varied terrain. Approximately 40% of Senate District 26 includes semi-rural slices of the South Valley, where residents have farmed and grown fresh vegetables for centuries. In certain respects, the needs of this community echo, on a larger scale, those of families in Catron County, Shiprock, and Tucumcari. Recruitment and retention of doctors and expansion of healthcare access must be prioritized. School districts must be empowered to adopt localized strategies that work best for their student populations. It is incumbent upon the Legislature to push for 54 2024 Primary Voter Guide

broadband infrastructure on behalf of rural New Mexicans; protect rural libraries; support Land-grant universities; and champion initiatives to underpin agritourism. When representational power is, in many ways, concentrated around the urban hubs of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the Legislature must be conscientious about not allowing the needs of the rural communities in our state to go overlooked.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: New Mexico must confront the uncomfortable reality that we are in the throes of a water crisis, plain and simple, and legislative priorities in the 2025 session must reflect the imperative for concrete deliverables and tangible action. The ongoing depletion of our collective water resources demands bold, imaginative, and comprehensive legislation commensurate in breadth to the existing and potential future ramifications of allowing the state’s water deficit to mushroom. The threat of water bankruptcy demands unified and decisive measures from the Democratic Caucus and Legislature at large. Through the Rio Grande Compact, New Mexico now owes significant water debt, and, concurrently, unprecedented increases in heat are dovetailing with a two-decade drought that is only intensifying.

Groundwater resources have reached exhaustion points in parts of the state while the Rio Grande ran dry for the first time in a generation during the summer of 2022. The dire implications of the trajectory on which the Land of Enchantment presently careens cannot be overstated. Action can be taken at the district level but it is critical that the legislative agenda at the Roundhouse accurately reflects movement that meets the moment. New Mexico is arguably no longer at a crossroads because the flashpoint for serious ramifications is in the rearview. We must create the necessary statutory architecture to manage water debt before we violate the Compact’s water debt limit of 200,00 acre-feet. With billions in state surplus, there is no excuse for the Legislature to not act now when it comes to laying out the groundwork for bolstering regional water Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican * Incumbent 2024 Primary Voter Guide 54

District 26 - Bernalillo cont. planning. Existing statutes should be clarified to provide focused roles and responsibilities for state agencies vis-à-vis cultivating implementable plans with outcome targets. Centralized, streamlined management of water must be adopted to modernize water regulation within the state. Redressing the current crisis will require an empowered cabinet-level authority to help communities across the state bolster water supplies and water resilience. And the state must adopt an all-hands-on-deck approach to helping communities develop and implement water resilience infrastructure through funding, capacity build outs, and incentivization to broaden buy-in for localized planning.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: New Mexico should advance pro-growth policies that will support family farms and small businesses, including the expansion of locally produced and processed consumer-oriented food products.

Expansion of food products produced year-round on New Mexico farms represents a significant opportunity to increase economic activity and jobs in the state. Some key strategies that the Legislature can leverage to bolster agricultural resiliency are: cultivating employment and training opportunities for youth pursuing careers

in agriculture; developing programmatic infrastructures to shore up land access for both veteran and fledgling farmers by enabling pathways to ownership or long-term leases; scaling penalties for spills of oil or liquid wastes that create hazards for farms and other sites of agricultural production; continuing compensation programs for livestock losses; empowering counties and municipalities to determine water recycling and reuse requirements; and helping farmers get their products to consumers.

While I grew up in a semi-rural community, I do not presently live out the daily challenges and experiences of rural communities, so I would rely on the stakeholders on the ground to provide insights into legislative priorities that would support rural living and optimize the success of our small farmers and local ranchers.

I am a demonstrated collaborator. My long record of community advocacy has encompassed teamwork with diverse cohorts and an approach to coalition-building with them defined by open ears. No legislator comes to the table with all the answers and acknowledgement of that truth is the first step in fostering productive dynamics with those subject matter experts who understand challenges and immediate conditions most intimately. Legislation is about sustained parternship and a continuous process of engagement.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Name: *Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D) City of Residence: Albuquerque Email: moe@maestasfornm.com Phone Number: (505) 304-7497

2024 Primary Voter Guide 55

District 27 - Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Lea & Roosevelt Name: *Greg Nibert (R) City of Residence: Roswell Email: greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov Phone Number: (575) 317-1050

Name: Patrick Henry Boone IV (R) Occupation: Rancher City of Residence: Elida Highest Level of Education: 4 years of college Campaign Website: https://patbooneforsenate. com/ Relevant Experience: • Past President and Chairman of the Board NM Cattle Growers Association • Soil & Water Conservation Board Chairman • Past President and Chairman - Roosevelt County Electric Co-op Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Our rural kids are leaving their homes in our small communities to pursue other livelihoods elsewhere. The preservation of our our schools, our communities, our businesses, is vital for the survival of not only our state, but our country. We all need to work together to ensure that survival. We need to step up and serve on local boards, as county commissioners or even run for statewide office. Our future in rural America is in peril if we don’t take the bull by the horns.

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Name: Larry E. Marker (R) City of Residence: Roswell Email: larrym_gdc@hotmail.com Phone Number: (575) 910-0300

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: All industries and businesses should be aware of the need to conserve water. We can’t make it rain, so we need to be aware that there is a finite supply of water. Municipalities, counties, farmers, ranchers, and everyone need to do their part in order to ensure that we have adequate supplies of water for the present and the future.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Every high school graduate is not destined to attend a college or university. Trade schools are a viable option for young people to receive the education and training they need to make a living in today’s world. Scholarship programs for students to attend these schools need to be expanded and made more available.

Another possibility is mentor programs, whereby older farmers and ranchers who are approaching retirement age could be connected to young people who need land to pursue their dreams.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

2024 Primary Voter Guide 56

District 30 - Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro & Valencia Name: Angel M. Charley (D) Occupation: Executive Director, Illuminative City of Residence: Acoma Highest Level of Education: College Campaign Website: www.angelfornm.com Relevant Experience: While I am not a rancher, I do have a lot of respect for cattle growers and farmers and the work it takes to do their business. I grew up in the Pueblo of Laguna and many friends and family members were dedicated ranchers and farmers. Today, in the Pueblo of Acoma, I live with my husband, who continues our agricultural traditions as a farmer. I intend to bring my skills to the legislature to ensure that rural communities and traditional livelihoods are protected and supported.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: As a candidate deeply connected to rural New Mexico, I understand the critical importance of supporting and addressing our rural communities’ unique needs. Coming from an agricultural community, I recognize the vital role that traditional livelihoods play in sustaining our western heritage. When elected, I will prioritize efforts to preserve our valuable land and water resources, supporting local farmers and ranchers in creating robust food systems and distribution networks. Additionally, I will champion policies that incentivize and empower local farming and ranching initiatives, fostering economic opportunities and preserving our rural way of life.

And as a rural legislator, I am committed to ensuring that the voices and concerns of rural New Mexicans are heard and represented in the NM Legislature. This includes advocating for increased funding and resources for rural education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as protecting our natural resources from exploitation by out-of-state industry. Ultimately, my dedication to supporting

rural communities stems from a deeply rooted desire to uplift and empower my home community of Senate district 30 and others facing similar challenges across our rural landscape. Through collaborative efforts and informed policymaking, we can build a brighter future for rural New Mexico, grounded in sustainability and prosperity.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: In light of the 2023 Sackett v. EPA case, it’s crystal clear that protecting New Mexico’s waters has become more critical than ever before. I firmly believe in collaborative action, bringing together state leadership, local governments, traditional communities, and water policy experts to find effective solutions. Our first step should be to heed the recommendations laid out by water experts and the Office of the State Engineer’s 50-year water plan, particularly in light of the projected 20% decrease in water supply. We cannot afford to let these crucial plans gather dust on a shelf; they must be championed in the legislature and backed by executive support. As a legislator, I pledge to actively engage with my district to prioritize water conservation and ensure equitable access to water resources. It’s imperative that we protect not only vulnerable communities and ecosystems but also fulfill our interstate water obligations.

To amplify our efforts, I’ll call upon allies like the NM Farm and Livestock Bureau and the Cattle Growers Association to collaborate on developing a working group on the Sackett issue. It’s critical that those most impacted by the Supreme Court’s decision are part of the solution. Investing in this initiative now will yield substantial dividends in the future. While this decision in the Sackett case may have let us down, we have an opportunity to build a robust network of governmental agencies at the state level, ensuring the highest standards for protecting our most precious resource: water. Together, through collaboration and the implementation of smart policies, we can safeguard New Mexico’s water for generations to come.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 57

District 30 - Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro & Valencia cont.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has Q: Red or green? lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in A: Red. our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: The decline of family farms in New Mexico is troubling, as agriculture is vital for our economy and heritage. To help our farmers, we need better infrastructure like improved roads and internet access.

Financial aid and training for small farms, along with support for conservation efforts, are crucial. We also need fair food policies to ensure everyone has access to locally grown produce. By investing in our farmers and protecting our land, we can keep New Mexico’s agricultural traditions alive and thriving for future generations. The lessons learned during the pandemic should stand as a reminder that we must support a robust local food system in times of distress.

Name: Clemente Sanchez (D) Occupation: Semi-retired, part time consultant on government relations.

City of Residence: Acoma Highest Level of Education: Master of Business Administration Campaign Website: In process of being built.

Relevant Experience: Former legislator for 8 years representing Senate District 30.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: One of the most important things is to have local control in policies and rules that are issued by local governments. The state should not always be mandating and not funding.

58 2024 Primary Voter Guide

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Not being an expert on water issues I have always listened to the experts and knowledge on the issues, studied the issue on hand and made a decision that was best for my district and the State of NM. Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: We need policies that support our agriculture industry including local farms. We need to listen to them and develop policies that protect and enhance family farms. Make things easier for them not harder by putting up road blocks.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican * Incumbent

District 32 - Chaves & Eddy Name: *Candy Spence Ezzell (R) Occupation: Rancher, farmer City of Residence: Roswell Highest Level of Education: NMSU pre-vet major 2yrs, ENMU-R accounting 2 yrs.

Campaign Website: Candy Spence Ezzell for State Senate District 32 Relevant Experience: Involved in agriculture my whole life. Grew up on the family farm north of Artesia, hands-on farming 2500+ acres for close to 20 years, own/operate a 28-section cow/calf ranch.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Illegal immigration is the biggest concern for my constituents, with the flow of criminals, drugs, human trafficking and the drain it has put on our communities.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Not allowing out-of-basin transfers to occur (such as the case of CRP water rights being transferred to Alb and Santa Fe); all basins should be fully adjudicated (PVACD is the only one in the state that is fully adjudicated); the Governor should not be the one who selects the State Engineer.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Government should quit dumping more red tape on us. Everyone is involved in agriculture...everyone eats!

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

2024 Primary Voter Guide 59

District 32 - Chaves & Eddy cont.

Name: Chad A. Hamill (R) Occupation: Small business owner City of Residence: Hagerman Highest Level of Education: Some college emphasizing Fire and EMS Campaign Website: chadhamill.com Relevant Experience: Small business owner as well as a long family history of ranching.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Hagerman used to be a thriving community where we had 2 grocery stores, downtown main street had small business that were flourishing. Teachers lived in the community and were involved with extracurricular sports, FFA,BPA. The lack of infrastructure and the ability to provide the basic needs to our community has caused the workforce to move to the bigger cities. We need to secure funding for these rural communities to improve water systems, sewer systems public safety sector which in return will give people the confidence to build homes, start a new business and bring back the since of pride to our rural areas.

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Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: We need to prohibit the State from taking water rights when sold from farm to farm. I believe we need to look at domestic water well usage and how individuals are watering 5 acres of pecan trees with their shallow wells. The farms that have shallow water rights are unable to continue to produce because of the depletion of the shallow water.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Bad Polices plain and simple is the reason family farms have closed. Ridicules minimum wage mandate, insurance mandate, sick leave mandate, increase in workers comp, the paid time off bill that they are pushing. All of these have killed agriculture and small business in my area. They can produce much cheaper in Mexico and we see it with green chili, which is our trademark here in New Mexico. We change the bad polices and protect the small businesses, including the agriculture industry from more overreach.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

District 33 - Chaves, Lincoln & Otero Name: Rhonda Beth Romack (R) City of Residence: Ruidoso Email: rhonda@rhondaromack.com Phone Number: (575) 937-3000

Name: Nicholas Allan Paul (R) City of Residence: Alamogordo Email: info@nickpaulfornm.com Phone Number: (805) 728-5715

Name: Lynn D. Crawford (R) City of Residence: Ruidoso Email: ruidosolynn@gmail.com Phone Number: (432) 352-2665

District 42 - Chaves, Eddy & Lea Name: Larry R. Scott (R) City of Residence: Hobbs Email: larry.scott@nmoilpatch.com Phone Number: (575) 390-9065

2024 Primary Voter Guide 61

District 42 - Chaves, Eddy & Lea cont.

Name: *Steven V. McCutcheon II (R) Occupation: Rancher/construction/business City of Residence: Carlsbad Highest Level of Education: BS in Ag business and economics from NMSU. Campaign Website: Stevenforsd42.com Relevant Experience: Owned and operated MHAT construction for 15 years. Managed 60 employees. Grew up on a ranch north of Carlsbad and now live on a ranch between Hobbs and Carlsbad.

Running approx 1600 mother cows. My wife Lisa and I have been married for 13 years and have 4 kids.

Q: New Mexico is primarily a rural state. What are some ways that you plan to support rural communities and their unique needs in addition to the specific needs of your district?

A: Governments’ job is to make sure one person does not harm another person and provide reasonable infrastructure for commerce.

I think the best thing government can do is stay out the way and make sure that the regulations do not impact our food supply or the peoples desire and ability to produce.

Q: Persistent drought and full accessibility to annual water allocations continues to challenge multiple sectors across the state.

What solutions should we look at to address that challenge?

A: Water is going to continue to be at the forefront of agricultural difficulties. Governments will continue to seek water for municipalities and 30x30 under the guise of conservation. We must be vigilante in defending all water and private property rights. New Mexico water law is somewhat up to interpretation. We need to understand that though some court judgments may help certain interested parties they can in turn set a poor precedent for the future. We must be looking at court cases and be involved directly even if the case doesn’t directly tie to agricultural water. We likewise can do better 62 2024 Primary Voter Guide

at cutting waste and employing technology to lower water use. As we do this we keep the Government at arms length when it comes to allocating the resource.

Q: According to the latest Census of Agriculture, New Mexico has lost 4,068 family farms since 2017. Agriculture plays a huge role in our state’s culture and directly supports many rural economies.

What type of policies and programs should New Mexico be looking at to help support and expand our agricultural sector?

A: Skyrocketing inputs, inflation and debt has been a tremendous struggle. As government we need to look at a few things: the over regulation of almost every sector affecting producers and increasing input costs, fiscal responsibility to combat Inflation, trade agreements that without notice cripple entire industries, demonopolizing certain sectors that harm agricultural producers, and the inheritance tax structure.

I believe producers can be more proactive in employing technology and providing simple succession plans that allow farms and ranches to be passed down and not sold off. Government should not be in the way.

Getting local control to school boards is imperative.

Q: Red or green?

A: Green.

Key: (D) Democrat (L) Libertarian (R) Republican

* Incumbent

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